WH Needs to Repair Relations with Press, Dems

The Obama administration turned off Republicans in Washington almost as soon as it took office. But the White House ultimately alienated the press corps that covers it and Democrats on the left too. Administration officials are now desperately working to mend those fences as Democrats face a possible slaughter in mid-term elections, Politico reports.

The effort is even aimed at cable news commentators, who were on the receiving end of President Barack Obama’s strong scorn earlier. The effort has intensified since the departure of White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel (pictured), who worked hard at pleasing reporters he liked and undermining ones he didn’t.

Some of the targets may be open to the administration’s moves. “Charm offensives work,” says veteran ABC News White House correspondent Ann Compton. But it may not be substance that’s making people take notice. She told Politico of an off-the-record and “pretty elegant lunch” of salad and salmon on White House china that Obama hosted for a handful of reporters.

The Obama administration turned off Republicans in Washington almost as soon as it took office. But the White House ultimately alienated the press corps that covers it and Democrats on the left too. Administration officials are now desperately working to mend those fences...